2001 El Coto de Rioja Coto Real Reserva

El Coto de Rioja is based in the town of Oyon in the Rioja section of Spain. The winery produces four red wines, one rose, and one white wine.

The 2001 Coto Real Reserva was a red blend, consisting of 80% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 10% Garnacha Tinta (Grenache). The wine was aged in oak barrels for 20 months, and then for an additional 24 months in the bottle. Its labeled ABV was 13.5%.

Previously, I had tasted the 2004 Coto de Imaz Reserva and the 2001 Coto de Imaz Gran Reserva. Having positive results with those samples, I was looking forward to the Coto Real.

It delivered in line with expectations.

This was a PNP.

The color of the wine was a dark, cherry red.

The nose was full of classic Rioja oak, accompanied by red fruit.

A sip brought forth a number of traditional Rioja flavors, including red fruit, plum, and pepper. As the wine opened, cherries, surprisingly, came out as well. Leather and tobacco were on the back end throughout the evening. Tannins were present, but subdued.

The finish was medium-long, with tannins and pepper.

The best pairing for this wine would be roasted meats or poultry. It would be a bit of a battle with a grilled porterhouse (please do try it and let me know). Any dishes overly sauced or spiced would also be an uphill journey.

This was a well made wine, but not very complex. It’s not a superb wine, but is a very good wine. It is simple, and what I would categorize as traditional Rioja in style.

The 2001 El Coto de Rioja Coto Real Reserva retails for around $47. At that price level, it is fair value for what it is. This was my only 2001, I have a few of the 2004 vintage and the cost was comparable (I will have to do a vintage comparison!). I do hope you get to enjoy it sometime.

Cheers!
NJ Vinoman